The Gift of ChristmasSample

The Presence of Angels


Angels are prominent figures in the Christmas story. They show up several times and always have a crucial role in the situation into which they come. They are known as "ministering spirits" and "messengers of God," and they play a key role in the story of the birth of Jesus. 

In the Christmas story, they are primarily "heralds." Their role is to announce or share something significant. They do this time after time in the story of the birth of Jesus.

The first occasion is when the angel comes to Zacharias, telling him that his wife, Elizabeth, would have a child who would be the forerunner to the Messiah. Soon after, an angel comes to Mary telling her even though she is a virgin, she will give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. 

The next occurrence happens when Joseph discovers that Mary is pregnant, confused, and heartbroken, and plans to end their relationship as graciously as possible. Finally, the angel gives Joseph the news that Mary had received that Mary's conception is miraculous and the child to be born is God in human flesh. The angel further reveals this child will be the Savior of the world.

Then there is the story of the shepherds tending their flocks at night. Again, the angel comes to "bring them good news of great joy." In this case, the lone angelic herald of good news is joined by "a multitude of the heavenly host." 

Finally, an angel warns Joseph in a dream to take Mary and Jesus and "flee to Egypt" because Herod is searching for Jesus to kill Him. Throughout the Christmas story in the Bible, the angels came, they spoke essential messages from God, and they focused their messages on Jesus.

Angels still exist, and they still have their work to do, but we have been given the tremendous privilege and responsibility to be the ones who announce the "Good News" today. We are the ones now entrusted with telling others God's message of love, wrapped up in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  Christmas is a great time to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel. We are instructed to go and tell the world the wonderful message of hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

The angels may have been the ones who were responsible for this during the first Christmas, but now it is our turn.